Question 37

The Correct Answer is C ### Why Option C ("The vessel is altering course to port") is Correct In the **International** Rules (specifically COLREG Rule 34(a)(i) and (ii)), maneuvering and warning signals are defined by whistle blasts. * **One short blast** indicates: "I am altering my course to **starboard**." * **Two short blasts** indicates: "I am altering my course to **port**." * **Three short blasts** indicates: "I am operating astern propulsion." Therefore, two short blasts signify that the vessel is currently in the process of altering its course to port. ### Why the Other Options are Incorrect * **A) The vessel will alter course to port:** While the outcome is a turn to port, the standard phrasing for this signal in the International Rules focuses on the current action, not a future intention or prediction. The signal means "I am altering course to port." (If the rules intended "will alter," they would likely use language similar to the Inland Rules, but the International Rules explicitly define this as the action taking place.) * **B) The vessel intends to pass starboard to starboard:** Passing signals related to port or starboard exchanges typically involve a single short blast (altering course to starboard) or two short blasts (altering course to port). However, the signal itself specifically defines the *action* being taken on the vessel, not the overall passing arrangement. In International Rules, vessels in sight of one another are supposed to indicate their immediate maneuver, which is the turn itself. * **D) The vessel intends to alter course to port:** The International Rules focus on the execution of the maneuver, not the mere intention. The signal "two short blasts" means the vessel **is currently executing** the turn to port ("I am altering my course to port"), differentiating it from the signals used in the Inland Rules (which typically use one short blast for "I intend to leave you on my port side," etc.). In the International context, the signal describes the action in progress.